[Want the thrill]

Just wondering if mine is normal. When is it set on 60 it is cold but not super cold. I have to turn up the blower to the second highest setting to start to make any type of difference & keep it at that to maintain a comfortable feel in the car. I think if I lived in the South, I would have to have it on the highest setting and don't think it would do a very good job. Thank god I'm in the Mid-West. When the temp is on 73 with the AC on, warm air is actually blowing out. When I was in a 3 series loaner this week, the car was at 74 with the AC on and it was coming out COLD! Which is messed up, the X3 or the 3 series?? Is the AC on the X3 just not that great?

[flash3]

I was gonna post something similar. I live in NC and I keep it @ 3 but it's not super cold

[RxCritical]

Maybe have the dealer check the refrigerant charge??

[sfax]

Not had much need to use mine yet but when I tested it out I thought it wasn't as cold as my last car.

[LEDZEP]

I haven't used mine a lot yet, but will be soon. I have found that with most cars (have had all BMWs for the past 7 years) the closer the outside temp is to the setting, the harder it is to really feel the difference. That said, I don't think the A/C in the X5 or X3 are as effective as the 3 Series. Could be that they have a similarly rated system and too much extra cabin to cool... dunno.

But if you really have a concern, I agree that you should raise the question to the dealer and ask them to check the system. It could be under-charged with coolant.

BTW - you are in MI - why do you need A/C? On my annual August trip there I always pack a sweatshirt.

[flash3]

I don't think everyone should take their car to the dealer if it's of similar concern, as in this thread, no?

[Harplayr]

Mine works fine.
We’ve had humid days in the 90’s with heat index’s well over 100 and yes on those days I turn the fan a bit higher, but ride in comfort. It doesn't blow super cold, but cools off the car nicely.

Is the dial on the dash set to "blue"
Have you tried to recirculate the air?
Have you tried the Max?
So far I haven’t needed them, but it may help.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

I haven't used mine a lot yet, but will be soon. I have found that with most cars (have had all BMWs for the past 7 years) the closer the outside temp is to the setting, the harder it is to really feel the difference. That said, I don't think the A/C in the X5 or X3 are as effective as the 3 Series. Could be that they have a similarly rated system and too much extra cabin to cool... dunno.

But if you really have a concern, I agree that you should raise the question to the dealer and ask them to check the system. It could be under-charged with coolant.

BTW - you are in MI - why do you need A/C? On my annual August trip there I always pack a sweatshirt.

Hey now, you must be travelling to the Upper P. if you need a sweatshirt in August! Typically it is between 80 and 90 where I'm at all summer with a fair amount of really humid days.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by Harplayr

Mine works fine.
We’ve had humid days in the 90’s with heat index’s well over 100 and yes on those days I turn the fan a bit higher, but ride in comfort. It doesn't blow super cold, but cools off the car nicely.

Is the dial on the dash set to "blue"
Have you tried to recirculate the air?
Have you tried the Max?
So far I haven’t needed them, but it may help.

Check, check and check but still the same outcome. Maybe the X3's AC just isn't that great. I can always have it looked at but wanted to see if mine was on par with everyone elses.

[mibmwx3]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

Maybe the X3's AC just isn't that great. I can always have it looked at but wanted to see if mine was on par with everyone elses.

Mine cools nicely. I've even been too cold and had to turn it up to 80.

[Alanintx]

I live in North Texas where it has been over 100 the past few days and the X3 AC is doing just fine. Cannot get TOO cold in the afternoons, but it does at night when it is still in the 90s outside (ugh).

[Nahoa]

Used it on 100 degree humid days and it works well. Blows cold air when set at 70 when it's hot out. If the car was in the sun it takes a bit to kind of stabilize the internal temp, but it quickly produces enough air to make it comfortable. Seems to do that faster at speed vice stop and go traffic.

[Lotus7]

Mine is just barely adequate. On a recent 93 deg. F. day it was barely able to keep the car cool with the temp. setting at 70 deg.. F. This was in traffic with engine revs mostly below 1600 rpm. with the A/C set to recirculation mode. At engine speeds of 2K or more, there's plenty of cooling. Our Subaru LGT will cool down to the set temp in 1/3rd the time of the X3 under similar driving conditions.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by Lotus7

Mine is just barely adequate. On a recent 93 deg. F. day it was barely able to keep the car cool with the temp. setting at 70 deg.. F. This was in traffic with engine revs mostly below 1600 rpm. with the A/C set to recirculation mode. At engine speeds of 2K or more, there's plenty of cooling. Our Subaru LGT will cool down to the set temp in 1/3rd the time of the X3 under similar driving conditions.

Mine sounds like yours Lotus.

[X5plug-in]

Yes we do have hot days in Scotland but I will be more concerned with the heater! Currently a pleasant 8'C here at 06:30, which is chilly for June but ideal for snuggling with the wife.

[Irish-Texan]

.

[bluesmachine]

I have found that the Ac works really well and quickly when I hit the auto button. Give that a try.

[LEDZEP]

Originally Posted by Want the thrill

Check, check and check but still the same outcome. Maybe the X3's AC just isn't that great. I can always have it looked at but wanted to see if mine was on par with everyone elses.

Nope. Callhoun County... but it depends on which end of August. This year it will be early in the month, so I doubt I'll need it. Though we spend a lot of evening on the water (lake) and it can get a bit chilly. By the end of August you can really feel fall coming.

[sfax]

Changed my mind on the A/C after today. Temperature was up to 30C here today and I set it to max and it was like ice pretty quickly, then switched to auto and it kept the car at a good comfortable temp

[flash3]

I tried Auto this weekend and it cools the car pretty nicely, though it's loud compared to when it's set at 'max' on the lowest setting.

[Nahoa]

Max on the lowest setting? Max is max, there are no settings. Any changes and it's off max to manual. When on auto you can set the general fan speed to one of five levels. If too loud, press the fan down button to change the fan speed. Max is the loudest option. It sets the fan to high, routes all air to the middle vents, and sets the car to recirculate. auto is really tecway to go except when you need a serious burst of cooling -- just entered hot car, sitting in sun on hot day, dogs just in from a run . . .

[Beyu]

I actually find the AC to be too cold at 60 F (lowest possible temp) with the rolling switch turned to blue at the 1 bar setting. It must be broiling where some of you guys are living if max AC isn't cold enough, I personally haven't gone above 2 bars.

Didn't want to make a new thread since my question somewhat relates to the discussed topic.

Does anyone notice a moist and musty smell when just simply leaving the car at a temperature without AC on? The moist air goes away when turning on the AC but quickly returns when off so I'm essentially forced to leave it on all the time.

Thanks in advance